The Man
Lola Young Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah
Aaaahhh
I′m too afraid to end up on lonely
But I am too sad to fall in love
I'm not ashamed of being unholy
But I spend so much time searching for God
And I′m too real to be a dreamer
But I am too mad to give it all up
I want my grass to be greener
Than just about everyone's
And I ain't there yet but I′m close enough
They must hate the fact that I don′t give a fuck
I'm sorry you gon have to sit and watch
The man, the man
It′s clear to see that I am coming up
There is not enough room for the both of us
I'm sorry you gon have to sit and watch the man
The man
I′m too pessimistic to move forward
But I'm too optimistic to stay
And out there, out there
Out there, out there, out there
They′re tryna make me play some crazy game
And I ain't there yet but I'm close enough
They must hate the fact that I don′t give a fuck
I′m sorry you gon have to sit and watch
The man, the man
It's clear to see that I am coming up
There is not enough room for the both of us




I′m sorry you gon have to sit and watch the man
The man

Overall Meaning

In Lola Young's song "The Man," the lyrics speak to a feeling of being caught between two extremes. The singer is too afraid to be alone, yet too sad to fall in love. She is unapologetic about her imperfections and her pursuit of spiritual fulfillment, but at the same time, she is fiercely competitive and wants to be better than everyone else. She recognizes that she is not a dreamer, but rather a realist who is driven by her own madness. Despite all of this, she knows that she is on the verge of success, and that those who have doubted her will have to sit and watch her become "the man."


The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with the repetition of the phrase "the man" underscoring the singer's determination. This phrase can be interpreted in different ways: it could refer to the singer herself becoming a powerful figure, or it could be an acknowledgement that she is already the one in charge. The bridge of the song adds another layer to this, with the singer acknowledging that she feels caught between pessimism and optimism, and that the pressures of the outside world can feel like a "crazy game" that she's being forced to play.


Overall, "The Man" is a complex, introspective song that speaks to the challenges of navigating one's own ambitions and desires.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah
Expression of agreement or affirmation.


Aaaahhh
Expressive sound indicating frustration or distress.


I'm too afraid to end up on lonely
Fearful of being alone.


But I am too sad to fall in love
Emotionally conflicted and hesitant to pursue intimacy.


I'm not ashamed of being unholy
Unapologetic for one's perceived vices or flaws.


But I spend so much time searching for God
Seeking spiritual guidance and purpose in life.


And I'm too real to be a dreamer
Pragmatic and grounded in reality.


But I am too mad to give it all up
Frustrated and angry, yet unwilling to give up on one's goals.


I want my grass to be greener
Desire for material success and status.


Than just about everyone's
Comparison with others, wanting to surpass them.


And I ain't there yet but I'm close enough
Recognizing progress towards a goal, though not quite achieving it yet.


They must hate the fact that I don't give a fuck
Not caring about other people's opinions or expectations.


I'm sorry you gon have to sit and watch
Awareness that others may feel left behind or jealous of one's success.


The man, the man
Referring to oneself as the dominant figure or one in power.


It's clear to see that I am coming up
Noticing one's own progress and growth.


There is not enough room for the both of us
Belief that one must surpass or compete with others to achieve success.


I'm sorry you gon have to sit and watch the man
Apologizing for outshining or surpassing others in their presence.


I'm too pessimistic to move forward
Feeling negative or doubtful about the future.


But I'm too optimistic to stay
Having a positive outlook for the future despite current setbacks.


Out there, out there
Referencing an unknown or uncertain future.


They're tryna make me play some crazy game
Feeling pressured or manipulated by external forces.




Writer(s): Conor Dickinson, William Brown, Lola Young

Contributed by Jonathan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@no-rx3nf

just you wait. one day this talent will be recognised, and you will become so big.

@nellydoyley3815

You need more recognition. I’m obsessed with your music and it’s constantly on replay. Girl got talent! I love your style, I love your authenticity

@martha2341

So happy I discovered this beautiful woman!
So powerful and all those things damn AMAZING!!! I love this artist every song has you drawn in and hooked!

@roseafmg4268

Oooh the words, the voice, the beat ❤️😍

@AI-yi3qn

Wow, the beginning of this song feels like you distilled my experience of life right now

@roseafmg4268

This one my favorite so far!

@tiffaniamey1086

She will be here in chicago in march <3 I'll come outside in the snow for you <3

@nl2531

So bright Lola Young..

@michellevillasenor5316

My new favorite artist I’m happy I found her before she blows up and she will she’s an amazing singer I love every song I’ve heard so far !

@nikkigarza7480

Ugh just a vibe dude

More Comments

More Versions